| | | | | | | | Sustainable farming incentive 2026: What farmers need to know ahead of the June and September application windows | | The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) will reopen in 2026 with two distinct application windows, marking a further step in the evolution of England’s post‑BPS agricultural support framework. | | With changes to eligibility, payment caps, and available actions, farmers and land managers are being encouraged to prepare early to maximise the opportunity presented by the new SFI26 offer. Defra and the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) have now published initial guidance confirming that SFI26 will open in June and September 2026, replacing the previous rolling application model with time‑limited windows.
Two Application Windows in 2026
| | | | For the first time, the SFI will operate through two controlled application windows rather than continuous access. Window 1 – Opening June 2026
The first window is scheduled to open at the end of June 2026 and is expected to remain open for around two months, although it may close sooner if the allocated budget is fully committed. This initial window is restricted to two categories of applicants: Small farms, defined as those with between 3 and 50 hectares of agricultural land; and farm businesses without an existing Environmental Land Management (ELM) revenue agreement, including SFI23, SFI24, Countryside Stewardship Mid or Higher Tier, or Higher-Level Stewardship. To qualify, the farm business must have had a Single Business Identifier (SBI) registered with the RPA, with eligible agricultural land linked to it, by 1 January 2026. Window 2 – Opening September 2026
A second application window will open in September 2026 and will be open to all eligible farmers and land managers, regardless of size or existing scheme participation. This provides an opportunity for those who do not meet the Window 1 criteria, or who choose not to apply earlier, to enter the scheme later in the year. As with Window 1, Defra has confirmed that the September window may close early depending on budget uptake. | | | | | | | | James Cowper Kreston is a leading firm of accountants and business advisers, with offices across the South of England. We deliver focused, innovative advice to a diverse range of businesses and individuals helping our clients to maximise their potential.
If you would like to discuss the topics mentioned in further detail, then please contact a member of our Farms & Estates team here.
Kind regards
Neil Thorn | Manager T: +44 (0)7586 022342 E: nthorn@jamescowper.co.uk jamescowperkreston.co.uk | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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